Shore Base Support Requires BDN.
Both the SEA Card® and the Multi Service AltivisTM programs allow suppliers to upload pertinent documents to the system to maintain a complete transaction trail. One form of documentation that is particularly valuable for suppliers to upload is the Bunker Delivery Note (BDN). You are required to maintain records of BDNs for at least three years under MARPOL Annex VI.
Beyond basic record-keeping, uploading a BDN to the system can help ensure quick reimbursement for your transactions – especially for U.S. Government transactions. The Defense Logistics Agency cannot approve orders for payment within the SEA Card® system without a BDN. While some agencies have adopted Shore Base Support stations to further expedite logistical operations, these support stations must be able to access an electronic copy of the BDN in order to approve a transaction for payment on behalf of the vessel while that vessel is without connectivity.
If you are unclear on how to utilize the document upload feature within the SEA Card® or AltivisTM systems, or if you have questions regarding the documentation required for payment, please contact the Multi Service support team.
